HBCUs still under consideration for lower tuition

A plan for lower tuition prices at select North Carolina public universities remains alive in state budget negotiations, and the chief proponent of the concept says schools that he dropped from his bill now want back in.

Students and alumni of historically black colleges and universities last month protested a plan to lower tuition to $500 per semester at three HBCUs, questioning the legislature’s commitment to fill the gap with state money.

In response to the protests, Sen. Tom Apodaca removed Elizabeth City State, Fayetteville State and Winston-Salem State universities from the measure. That left just two schools targeted for lower tuition, neither of them HBCUs — UNC Pembroke and Western Carolina University.

The plan would also guarantee tuition prices to students over four years across the UNC system. Proponents say it would provide more certainty and lower-cost options, while drawing more students to the schools singled out for lower tuition.

Apodaca said this week that Elizabeth City State University and another unnamed HBCU want to participate. “Two of the three have already been back begging to come back in,” the Hendersonville Republican said.

“I think you may see (ECSU) back in,” Apodaca added. Due to plummeting enrollment, “they’re in serious trouble,” he said.

Chancellor Thomas Conway confirmed ECSU’s interest but said it’s contingent on changes to the proposal.

“We have expressed, through UNC-General Administration, interest in being part of the bill if there is appropriate funding, and if there are changes in what is described as the $500 tuition,” Conway said in a statement that didn’t elaborate on the changes needed.

“We believe that this can be packaged in an even more positive way.”

Apodaca predicted a budget deal could come together over the weekend.

This story was originally published June 24, 2016 at 6:39 PM with the headline "HBCUs still under consideration for lower tuition."